Our kingdom ministry

JANUARY 2014

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 13

Song 131 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 1 ^10-17 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Genesis 6-10 (10 min.) No. 1: Genesis 9:18-10:7 (4 min. or less) No. 2: If Someone Says, ‘As Long as You Believe in Jesus, It Really Does Not Matter What Church You Belong To’—rs p. 332 ^2 (5 min.)

No. 3: Aaron—Continue Faithful in Spite of Human Weaknesses—it-1 p. 10 ^4-p. 11 ^3 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 69

10 min: The Value of Repetition in the Ministry. Talk based on the Ministry School book, pages 206-207. Briefly demonstrate at least one of the points from the material.

10 min: Men Who Minister in a Fine Manner. (1 Tim. 3:13) Interview two ministerial servants. What are their responsibilities in the congregation, and what does caring for these involve? Why did they reach out to be ministerial servants? Why do they enjoy serving the congregation and assisting the elders?

10 min: “Take as a Pattern the Prophets —Micah.” Questions and answers.

Song 35 and Prayer

Take as a Pattern the Prophets —Micah

¹ ‘When will the end of this corrupt system of things finally come?’ The prophet Micah may have pondered a similar question as he proclaimed Jehovah’s judgment messages against the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Yet, his preaching was not in vain. In 740 B.C.E., during Micah’s lifetime, Jehovah’ s words

• 1. What question may Micah have pondered, but why was his preaching not in vain? against Samaria were fulfilled. (Mic. 1:6, 7) Later, Jerusalem was destroyed in the year 607 B.C.E. (Mic. 3:12) How can we imitate Micah as we await the execution of Jehovah’s judgments in our day?

• ² Be Patient: Micah wrote: “As for me, I will keep on the lookout for Jehovah. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation.” (Mic. 7:7) Of course, Micah did not idly wait for the end to come. He remained busy as Jehovah’s prophet. As we await Jehovah’s day, we should also be engaged in “holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion.” (2 Pet. 3:11, 12) Jehovah’s patience allows individuals time to repent. (2 Pet. 3:9) Therefore, we take to heart the divine admonition to imitate the prophets in exercising patience.—Jas. 5:10.

• ³ Rely on Jehovah’s Strength: Although Micah had a challenging assignment, he looked to Jehovah for the strength to carry it out. (Mic. 3:8) It is no coincidence that Jehovah’s Word urges us to rely on God for strength. He generously gives power to the tired ones so that they can fulfill their theocratic responsibilities. (Ps. 84:5, 7; Isa. 40:2831) Have you personally experienced this in your life of sacred service? Do you regularly petition Jehovah for the help of his powerful holy spirit?—Luke 11:13.

• ⁴ Throughout his life, Micah made the doing of God’s will his priority. He was determined to remain faithful although surrounded by moral corruption. Similarly, our integrity is tested on a daily basis. Let us therefore strengthen our resolve to “walk in the name of Jehovah our God forever and ever.” —Mic. 4:5.

• 2. How and why do we show patience as we await Jehovah’s day?

• 3. Why should we petition Jehovah for his holy spirit?

• 4. Micah’s life course provides what excellent example for us today?

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 20

Song 34 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 1 ^18-23, box on p. 14 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Genesis 11-16 (10 min.)

No. 1: Genesis 14:17-15:11 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: If Someone Says, ‘What Makes You Think There Is Only One Religion That Is Right?—rs p. 332 ^3 (5 min.)

No. 3: Abaddon—The Angel of the Abyss—Who Is He?—it-1 p. 12 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 123

10 min: What Do We Learn? Discussion. Have Matthew 7:6-11 read. Consider how these verses can help us in our ministry.

10 min: Show Respect for Those Who Are Working Hard Among You. (1 Thess. 5:12,13) Discussion based on the following questions: (1) In what ways do the elders work hard in the congregation? (2) How can we show the elders extraordinary consideration? (3) Why do those taking the lead need encouragement? (4) How can we encourage the elders and their families? (5) How does being obedient to those taking the lead benefit both the congregation and the elders?

10 min: “Be More Than a Silent Partner.” Questions and answers. Invite audience to relate helpful tips they learned from someone they were working with in the ministry.

Song 93 and Prayer

Be More Than a Silent Partner

¹ The apostle Paul viewed the time he spent with fellow believers as opportunities for “an interchange of encouragement.” (Rom. 1:12) When you work with another publisher in the ministr y, do you take advantage of this time to encourage and assist him? Instead of being a silent partner, why

• 1. How may we imitate the apostle Paul’s attitude when we are working with others in the ministry?

not share what helps you to be an effective publisher?

• ² Instill Confidence: Some publishers lack confidence, which may be reflected in their facial expressions or tone of voice. We can bolster their confidence by giving them sincere commendation. What are some other ways to instill confidence? One traveling overseer freely tells his partner about his own fears and how he prays often for help to overcome such feelings. Another brother noted this regarding what helps him reflect confidence: “It starts with a smile. Sometimes I have to pray for help to make that simple expression.” Has something helped you to be more confident in the ministry? Share it with your field service partner.

• ³ Share Methods: Have you found a simple opening statement or question, perhaps something about a local event, to be effective in starting a conversation? Have you experienced good results from adding a personal touch to a sample presentation? Tell your partner. (Prov. 27:17) While traveling to a return visit, you can relate your objective for the visit and how you plan to achieve it. After a Bible study, you could explain why you chose a certain point, scripture, or teaching method to address the student’s needs.

• ⁴ First-century evangelizers were not just interested in helping unbelievers. They also saw the value of encouraging and strengthening one another. (Acts 11:23; 15:32) The apostle Paul trained young Timothy and then encouraged him to share what he had learned with others. (2 Tim. 2:2) When we do not forget to do good to fellow Christians while in the ministry, we not only increase their joy and effectiveness but we also please our heavenly Father.—Heb. 13:15, 16.

• 2. What can we do to bolster the confidence of our field service partner, and why is this important?

• 3. What can we share with our partner that may help him become more effective in his ministry? 4. Why should we be interested in helping fellow evangelizers?

  © 2014 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses; C. I. Woody, President; W. H. Nonkes, Secretary-Treasurer; 2821 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2237. Periodicals Postage Paid at Patterson, NY, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.                            Printed in Canada.

  
  

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 27

Song 106 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 2 fl1-11 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Genesis 17-20 (10 min.)

No. 1: Genesis 17:18-18:8 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Jesus Did Not Go to Heaven in a Physical Body—rs p. 334 fl1-3 (5 min.)

No. 3: Abba—How Is the Term “Abba” Used in the Scriptures, and How Have Men Misused It?—it-1 pp. 13-14 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 121

5 min: Start a Bible Study on the First Saturday. Talk. Outline local arrangements for field service on the first Saturday in February, and encourage all to have a share. Include a brief demonstration using the sample presentation on page 4.

15 min: What Are Your Spiritual Goals? Discussion based on the Organized book, page 117, paragraph 2, to the end of the chapter. Interview one or two publishers who reached their goal of full-time service. What encouragement did they receive from others? What obstacles did they overcome? What blessings have they enjoyed?

10 min: “Magazine Routes—Useful for Starting Bible Studies.” Questions and answers. Invite audience to relate how they were eventually able to start a Bible study with someone who was on their magazine route.

Song 103 and Prayer

Magazine Routes—Useful for Starting Bible Studies

¹ Many people are not inclined to study the Bible with us, but they enjoy reading our magazines. Therefore, Jehovah’s organization has long encouraged publishers to develop a magazine route. As people regularly read our magazines, they often form a longing for God’s Word. (1 Pet. 2:2) Eventually, something they read could strike a re-

• 1. Why has Jehovah’s organization long encouraged publishers to develop a magazine route? sponsive chord, causing them to accept a Bible study.

² ‘Water’ Seeds of Truth: Rather than simply dropping the magazines off, engage the householder in conversation and try to build a rapport with him. This will help you to learn his circumstances, interests, and beliefs, which will enable you to speak with insight. (Prov. 16:23) Prepare for each visit. If possible, briefly highlight a point and related scripture from the magazines, watering any seeds of truth in his heart. (1 Cor. 3:6) Make a record of the date of each visit, the literature that was left, and the subjects and scriptures that were discussed.

³ Return How Often? You should return once a month to bring the latest magazines to those on your route. However, depending on your circumstances and the interest of the individual, you may choose to visit more often. For example, a week or two after leaving the magazines, you could return and say, “I stopped by briefly to point out something from the magazines I left you.” This will whet the person’s appetite to read a particular article. If he has already read it, you could ask him what he thought about the article and discuss it briefly. Or if the individual enjoys reading our literature, you might return and offer him the tract, brochure, or book that we are featuring that month.

⁴ Do not wait for the householder to ask you for a study. Take the initiative. Even if he has refused a Bible study in the past, from time to time you can feature “Bible Questions Answered” from The Watchtower and see if he is willing to discuss it with you. Perhaps you can start a doorstep study. However, if you are unable to start a study, you can continue bringing him the magazines to cultivate his interest.

• 2. How may we cultivate the interest of those on our route?

• 3. How often should we return to visit those on our magazine route?

• 4. From time to time, what can we do to determine if those on our route might be willing to study the Bible?

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 3

Song 22 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 2 ^12-20 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Genesis 21-24 (10 min.) No. 1: Genesis 23:1-20 (4 min. or less) No. 2: Why Did Jesus Appear in Materialized Bodies?—rs p. 334 fl4-p. 335 ^2 (5 min.)

No. 3: Abel—Exercise Faith That Pleases God—it-1 p. 15, Abel No. 1 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 81

10 min: Offer the Magazines During February. Discussion. Start by demonstrating how the magazines may be offered, using the sample presentations on this page. Then analyze the sample presentations from beginning to end by reading each part, a sentence or two at a time, and inviting the audience to comment on its purpose. Remind publishers that they should use their own words, and they can choose to alter the sample presentation or prepare another one. Conclude by briefly encouraging all to become well-acquainted with the magazines and to share enthusiastically in their distribution.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: By Their Fruits You Will Recognize Them. (Matt. 7:16) Discussion based on the 2013 Yearbook, page 47, paragraphs 1-2;and page 52, paragraph 1, to page 53, paragraph 1. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

Song 25 and Prayer

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in February

“People we speak to have different opinions about the Bible. Some believe it’s God’s Word, while others view it as just an ordinary book. How do you feel about the Bible?” Allow for response. Show the back of the February 1 Watchtower, and consider together the material under the first question and at least one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to return to discuss the next question.

™34hTO6E7® February 1

AnnouncingJehovah’s Kingdom                    *

“Most people would like to see an end to war. Do you think that world peace is a realistic goal? [Allow for response.] Notice what the Scriptures promise. [Read Psalm 46:9.] Interestingly, events that occurred during World War I and thereafter give us confidence that very soon God will fulfill this prophecy and end war forever. This magazine explains.”

!"#$ February

“We’re visiting briefly to discuss a common problem. It seems that there’s never enough time to accomplish everything. Do you think that our schedules are full because we have too much to do or because we waste too much of our time? [Allow for response.] Many are not aware that the Bible gives practical advice to help us manage time. Here’s one example. [Read Philippians 1:10a.] This magazine outlines four strategies that have helped many people to use their time more wisely.”

Announcements

Field Service Highlights

■ Literature offer for January and February: Feature one of the following 32-page brochures: Good News From God!, Listen to God, or Listen to God and Live Forever. March and April: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines.

■ Since March has five full weekends, it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer.

We are happy to report that 4,705 newly dedicated ones were baptized during the month of July 2013. Also, 804 books, 351 brochures, and 291 magazines were requested by interested persons submitting coupons found in our publications. Like leaven, the Kingdom-preaching work promotes spiritual growth with Jehovah’s blessing.—Matt. 13:33.

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